15 September 2011

Bicycle Care Station by Statoil

Photo: Mads OdgaardNorway's Statoil is a major oil company in Scandinavia and they have many petrol stations in Denmark. My friend Mads took these photos of a Statoil station in Copenhagen that has clearly accepted - dare one say embraced - the bicycle culture here in the City of Cyclists.

In no uncertain terms Statoil has reserved space for cyclists to fix, tune-up or pump their bicycles at this Bicycle Care station.

Photo: Mads Odgaard
In the centre of the bicycle pictogram is a rack that folds down so you can hang your bicycle on it while repairing, caring, whatever. An air hose is on the right and, on the left, a dispenser with paper towels and plastic gloves.Photo: Mads Odgaard
Here's the view of the station. The bicycle symbol is prominent and quite splendid.

That's all it takes. That section of wall was unused but now it is useful. A modest investment and, in a flash, this station is bicycle friendly. If the Citizen Cyclist also drops a few coins in the shop, that's good for business, too, but the important thing is symbolism. Especially near the centre of Copenhagen where bicycles outnumber cars.

Kilometres cycled by Copenhageners so far today

Copenhagenize.com is the blog of Copenhagenize Design Company. Online since 2007 and highlighting the cycling life in Copenhagen and around the world.

40 years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 41% of the population arriving at work or education do so on bicycles, from all over the Metro area. 56% of Copenhageners themselves use bicycles each day. They all use over 1000 km of bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen for their journeys. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.